System and apparatus for enhancing delivery of media services

ABSTRACT

A system and apparatus for enhancing delivery of media services is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set-top box that can have a controller element to present at a media device a first satellite program of a number of satellite programs. A first request is received from a cell phone for content associated with the number of satellite programs. A second request is transmitted over a broadband Ethernet connection to a media system that is separate from equipment of the satellite service provider, to cause the media system to submit a fee to the multimedia satellite provider related to the content information. Content information is received over the Ethernet connection without interrupting the presenting of the first satellite program. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/742,113, filed Apr. 30, 2007. All sections of the aforementionedapplication are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to media services and morespecifically to a system and apparatus for enhancing delivery of mediaservices.

BACKGROUND

Recent advances in digital media programming allow a set-top-box (STB)to provide HDTV programming, video on demand (VoD) services, digitalvideo recording (DVR) services, and/or other features to consumers athome. Although a STB can enable a presentation of media services fromvarious service providers through different means (e.g., cable, dial-up,telephone, satellite) there is virtually no true integration between theservices offered. Consequently, the user is generally unaware of thefeatures (e.g., movies, entertainment schedules) available in oneservice (e.g., satellite) when actively engaged in the use of anothermedia service (e.g., DSL).

A need therefore arises for a system and apparatus for enhancingdelivery of media services.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a communication system;

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary method operating in portions of thecommunication system; and

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system within which a set of instructions, whenexecuted, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure provide a systemand apparatus for enhancing delivery of media services.

In a first embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer-readablestorage medium in a Set-Top Box (STB) can have computer instructions toreceive from one or more satellites, signals associated with at leastone multimedia satellite service, transmit over an Ethernet connectiondisassociated with the signals transmitted by the one or moresatellites, a request for content information associated with the atleast one multimedia satellite service, receive the content informationover the Ethernet connection from a service provider of the at least onemultimedia satellite service, and present at a media device the contentinformation responsive to the request.

In a second embodiment of the present disclosure, a set-top box (STB)can have a controller element to present at a media device contentinformation received over a broadband connection, wherein the contentinformation is associated with at least one satellite service presentedto the media device over satellite signals disassociated with thebroadband connection, and wherein the content information is receivedresponsive to a request for the content information.

In a third embodiment of the present disclosure, a system can have acontroller element to transmit to a satellite set-top box (STB), over abroadband connection content, information associated with a satellitemultimedia service responsive to a request transmitted by the satelliteSTB over a first port operably coupled to the broadband connection,wherein the satellite STB receives the satellite multimedia service overa second port operably coupled to at least one satellite that transmitssatellite signals disassociated with the broadband connection.

In a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, a method can involvereceiving from an Ethernet port of an STB coupled to a digitalsubscriber line (DSL) interface content information associated with asatellite multimedia service supplied to a satellite port of the STBthat is coupled to a satellite dish. The content information can bereceived during a presentation of satellite content received from thesatellite port. The method can further involve presenting the contentinformation from at least one among a display of a remote controller anda television (TV) set, each coupled to the STB. The content informationcan represent at least one among a promotional offering, anadvertisement, a video trailer, and an Electronic Programming Guide(EPG), each associated with the satellite multimedia service.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a communication system 100.The communication system 100 can comprise a satellite system 131 thatdelivers multimedia satellite services from one or more satellites to aresidence or commercial establishment (“property”) 102. Thecommunication system 100 can include a media system 112, such as aback-end system, that delivers broadband media services to consumers viaa communication network 101 to the property 102. The delivery of thebroadband media services can be by way of a wireline connection with theproperty 102, such as an Ethernet connection (e.g., PSTN, cable, xDSL,dial-up) and/or a wireless connection (e.g., transponder 130) utilizingvarious wireless technologies. The communication network 101 can havecommon network elements that support wireline and/or wireless packetand/or circuit switched communication access technologies, and caninclude a telecommunication system 109 that provides wireless access(CDMA, GSM, Software Defined Radio, Ultra Wide Band, WiMax, etc.) to oneor more mobile devices 116 (e.g., cell phone, portable music player,etc.) associated with the communication network 101.

The media system 112 can comprise a controller element 142 and a memoryor mass storage system 152. The controller element 142 can utilizecommon computing technologies (e.g., desktop computer, server, etc.) tomanage use of available processing resources of the media system 112 forexecuting one or more processes and to manage operation of the massstorage system 152. The mass storage system 151 can utilize commonstorage technologies (e.g., hard disk drives, flash memory, etc.) tostore data in one or more databases. The media system 112 can representan analog multimedia service system and/or digital multimedia servicesystem such as presented by cable and telecommunication serviceproviders. Multimedia services can include without limitation voice,moving images (e.g., MPEG4, high definition, standard or streamingvideo), still images (e.g., JPEGs), audio entertainment (e.g., MP3, orstreaming audio), or any form of data services. Multimedia servicesprovided by the media system 112 can also include presentation anddelivery services for media content. A portion of digital multimediaservices can also be presented by way of a common IPTV system which candeliver television and/or video signals distributed to the property 102.

The property 102 can include a common residential gateway (RG) 104 thatexchanges unicast or multicast signals with the media system 112 overthe communication network 101, and can distribute a portion of theEthernet signals 111 and satellite signals 113 to one or more Set-TopBoxes (STBs) 106 used for presenting multimedia services to mediadevices 108 such as a computer, cell phone, portable music player, oranalog or digital television (e.g., plasma TV). Alternatively, the STBs106 can be coupled to the satellite system 131 and thereby receive thesatellite signals 113 directly.

The STB 106 can be provided by a broadcast communications provider suchas a cable, a satellite, or IPTV service provider to deliver apresentation of a media program at the media device 108. The STB 106 caninclude a first port to receive satellite signals 113 and a second portto receive Ethernet signals 111. The satellite signals 113 and Ethernetsignals 111 can comprise at least one among digital and analog signals,with each transporting at least one among image, audio data, orcombinations thereof. The media program can be a television show, a paidsubscription channel, or any other form of media broadcast.

A media controller 107 can be programmed to control the STB 106 and/orthe media device 108. The media controller 107 can utilize commoninfrared or RF signaling technology to communicate with any of theaforementioned subsystems of the communication system 100, includingservices offered by the satellite system 131 and the media system 112.The media controller 107 can also include a user interface (UI) forcontrolling the STB 106 and a display for visually presenting mediainformation.

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary method 200 operating in portions of thecommunication system 100. More specifically, the method 200 illustratesa means for enhancing delivery of media services. The method 200 can bepracticed with more or less than the number of steps shown. Moreover,the method 200 is not limited to the order of steps shown. Referencewill be made to FIG. 1 when describing the method 200, although itshould be noted that the method 200 can be practiced in any othersuitable system. Method 200 has variants as depicted by the dashedlines. It would be apparent to an artisan with ordinary skill in the artthat other embodiments not depicted in FIG. 2 are possible withoutdeparting from the scope of the claims described below.

Method 200 begins with step 202 in which the STB 106 can receive atleast one multimedia satellite service from the satellite system 131.The multimedia satellite service can correspond to on-demand satellitedelivered programming (e.g., subscription, packages, services), generaltelevision programming (e.g., channel selection), pay-per-view satelliteprogramming (e.g., movies, videos), broadcast channel programming (e.g.,news, sports, entertainment), or any other suitable digital programmingfeature. A user in the property 102 using the media controller 107, or auser remote from the property 102 using the mobile device 116, candirect the STB 106 to select from the one or more satellite servicesoffered by the STB 106. As an example, the user can view an electronicprogramming guide (EPG), view video on demand (VoD) catalogs, select oneor more media programs for later viewing, adjust parental controls,modify media device settings, or manage other services supplied to or bythe STB 106. In response to the STB 106 receiving a user selection fromthe media controller 107, the STB 106 at step 204 can present to themedia device 108 the selected satellite services.

During a delivery of a satellite program, the user can request contentinformation related to one or more other multimedia satellite services.The content information can contain high-quality video, cinematic sound,interactive menu selection, and/or other features, including thoseconsidered “rich-in” content (e.g., high quality audio and video). Theuser can direct the STB 106 to present the content information. In oneembodiment, the user can request a display of the content information onthe media device 108 (e.g., TV, computer), such as through use of themedia controller 107. In another arrangement, the content informationcan be displayed on the media controller 107 and/or mobile device 116,thereby allowing the user to program the STB 106 and see the contentinformation remotely.

At step 206, the media controller 107 can present to the STB 106 arequest for content information associated with the at least onemultimedia satellite service, such as upon receiving the user inputrequest for content information. At step 208, the STB 106 can receivethe request for content information from the media controller 107, andat step 210 the STB can transmit the request to the media system. In oneembodiment, the request for content information is transmitted by theSTB 106 over an Ethernet connection to the media system 112. The requestfor content information can be disassociated with the signalstransmitted by the satellite system and received by the STB 106.

The media system 112 can store and retrieve content information relatedto one or more multimedia satellite services upon request. In oneembodiment, the media system 112 can store vast quantities of data suchas images, pictures, photos, music, and videos related to the one ormore multimedia satellite services which can be programmed for deliveryto the media system 112 by the service providers. For example, satelliteservice providers, or third party affiliates, can access the mediasystem 112 over the Internet to frequently upload and update contentinformation related to multimedia satellite services. In anotherembodiment, the media system 112 can retrieve content information storedelsewhere, including through queries and the like.

At step 212, the media system 112 can supply the STB 106 with thecontent information over the Ethernet connection. Recall, the Ethernetconnection can be DSL (digital subscriber line), Internet ProtocolTelevision (IPTV), cable, or dial-up service that is not associated withthe communications service being supplied by the signals of the one ormore satellites. In one embodiment, the Ethernet connection can be ahigh bandwidth connection that allows for fast data downloads andefficient delivery of the content information to the STB 106. In anotherembodiment, the Ethernet connection can accommodate higher databandwidth traffic and deliver data at a lower latency than a satelliteconnection, thereby enhancing quality of service and user experience.

At step 214, the STB 106 presents at the media device 108 the contentinformation responsive to the request. Recall, the STB 106 can receivethe request during presentation of a television (TV) program, browsingof an EPG, browsing of a Pay-per-view (PPV) catalog, or reviewing ofprograms on a Digital Video Recorder (DVR). The STB 106 can provide thecontent information in a text, audio, and/or video format to the mediadevice 108 (e.g., TV) and/or the media controller 107. For example, ifthe request is related to a satellite program, the information cantextually identify a show time, a movie title, a movie rating, a review,or a short summary, as an example. Alternatively or in combination, theSTB 106 may direct the media device 108 to audibly present theinformation to the user. As another example, if the request is relatedto a satellite service, the information can identify a service contact,a telephone number, a service time, or a description of the service,such as subscription charges, bundled programming features (e.g., buyone channel receive a 2^(nd) free), file sharing options (e.g.,permissions, download speed), music download options (e.g., bandwidth,artist websites, industry ratings), or personal data applications, asexamples.

In one embodiment, the content information can include a promotionaloffering, an advertisement, a video trailer, and/or an ElectronicProgramming Guide (EPG), with each associated with the satelliteservice. For example, as shown in step 216, the media system 112 canstream video trailers of satellite programs to the STB 106 forpresentation on the media device 108 in response to a request forcontent information associated with the one or more satellite programs.Video trailers can be short video clips that present informative scenesof a video, movie, film, or program. Video trailers can allow users toreceive content rich information in the same or similar format andquality as the corresponding video provided by satellite signals. TheSTB 106 can present the video trailers in the EPG, in apicture-in-picture (PIP), in a full screen view, or any otherpreferential display style available to the media device or mediacontroller 107, or selected by the user, responsive to receiving thecontent information over the Ethernet connection.

In another embodiment, the media system 112 can also includeadvertisements and promotional offerings related to one or moresatellite services in the content information, as shown in step 218. Theadvertisements and promotional offerings can be incorporated in an EPG,a movie catalog, a pay-per-view programming screen, or as a banner,separate video clip, or message. For example, the advertisement canidentify a price for a service or program, bundled rates, and dates ortimes the show is offered at a discount price. In one embodiment, STB106 can schedule a delivery of promotional information based on thecontent information requested. As another example, the STB 106 canpresent promotional information after a presentation of a requestedvideo trailer that identifies other movies having similar themes orcommon actors with the movie corresponding to the video trailer. Inanother embodiment, the STB 106 can send promotional material associatedwith a multimedia satellite service as a text message or video clip tothe mobile device 116, responsive to a remote request for the contentinformation.

Upon reviewing the content information received over the Ethernetconnection and displayed on the media device 108, the user can directthe STB 106 to accept a multimedia satellite service associated with thecontent information. At step 220, the STB 106 can receive the selectionfrom the media controller 107 for a desired satellite service responsiveto the user selection. If a program is not selected at step 222, the STB106 can resume presentation of the current media and continue to receivemultimedia satellite services back at step 202. If on the other hand aselection is made, then the STB 106 can confirm and schedule thesatellite service, such as a program, for delivery to the media device,as shown in step 224. As an example, the STB 106 can visually present aconfirmation for the satellite service identifying the selection and theprice, if applicable. In another embodiment, the STB 106 can send a textmessage to the mobile device 116 confirming a delivery time of theservice. In yet another embodiment, responsive to a user selection of asatellite program, the STB 106 can inform a Digital Video Recorder (DVR)to record the satellite program at a scheduled time, as shown in step226.

After confirming a purchase or delivery of the satellite services, themedia system 112 at step 228 can calculate a fee for supplying thecontent information to the satellite STB 106. The fee can be submittedto a multimedia satellite system supplying multimedia satellite servicesto the STB 106. In one arrangement, the media system 112 may charge afixed fee based on the amount, or type, of content information provided,or the bandwidth used in delivering the content information.Alternatively, the media system may elect to charge a fee only if theuser selects a program associated with content information the userrecently requested. The service provider can then apply a service chargeto the user's billing statement and/or bill the user at an address ofthe property 102.

Upon reviewing the embodiments disclosed, it would be evident to anartisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can bemodified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope andspirit of the claims described below. For example, the capabilitiesdescribed for the media controller 107 in receiving the media contentcan be integrated in whole or part by the mobile device 116. In suchregard, a user can receive media content and program content selectionsremotely using the mobile device 116. Method 200 can be modified so thatinstead of the STB 106 processing the request for content information,the media system 112 transmits the request to a 3^(rd) party providerhosting services for the satellite system 131 which responds withup-to-date media content. The content information can also be deliveredto the STB 106 by other techniques, including wireless (e.g., wirelessbroadband) and/or a combination of a wired and wireless connection tothe STB.

As another example, the service provider of the content information cancharge a service fee for supplying the content information over theEthernet port according to a Quality of Service (QoS) objective. The QoSobjective can represent common video and audio QoS objectives. While thecontent information is being presented, the STB 106 can be programmed tobuffer satellite media programming in a Digital Video Recorder (DVR)operably coupled to the STB 106 as an integral or external device. Thisfunction allows for a satellite program to be paused while presentingcontent information at the media device 108 and played back from thepoint of departure.

Other suitable modifications can be made to the present disclosure.Accordingly, the reader is directed to the claims below for a fullerunderstanding of the breadth and scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system 300 within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies discussed above. In some embodiments, the machine operatesas a standalone device. In some embodiments, the machine may beconnected (e.g., using a network) to other machines. In a networkeddeployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or aclient user machine in server-client user network environment, or as apeer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, apersonal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a desktopcomputer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge, or anymachine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will beunderstood that a device of the present disclosure includes broadly anyelectronic device that provides voice, video or data communication.Further, while a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shallalso be taken to include any collection of machines that individually orjointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform anyone or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

The computer system 300 may include a processor 302 (e.g., a centralprocessing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU, or both), a mainmemory 304 and a static memory 306, which communicate with each othervia a bus 308. The computer system 300 may further include a videodisplay unit 310 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, asolid state display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The computer system300 may include an input device 312 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor controldevice 314 (e.g., a mouse), a mass storage medium 316, a signalgeneration device 318 (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a networkinterface device 320.

The mass storage medium 316 may include a computer-readable storagemedium 322 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g.,software 324) embodying any one or more of the methodologies orfunctions described herein, including those methods illustrated above.The computer-readable storage medium 322 can be an electromechanicalmedium such as a common disk drive, or a mass storage medium with nomoving parts such as Flash or like non-volatile memories. Theinstructions 324 may also reside, completely or at least partially,within the main memory 304, the static memory 306, and/or within theprocessor 302 during execution thereof by the computer system 300. Themain memory 304 and the processor 302 also may constitutecomputer-readable storage media.

Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to,application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays andother hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement themethods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatusand systems of various embodiments broadly include a variety ofelectronic and computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions intwo or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices withrelated control and data signals communicated between and through themodules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit.Thus, the example system is applicable to software, firmware, andhardware implementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, themethods described herein are intended for operation as software programsrunning on a computer processor. Furthermore, software implementationscan include, but not limited to, distributed processing orcomponent/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtualmachine processing can also be constructed to implement the methodsdescribed herein.

The present disclosure contemplates a machine readable medium containinginstructions 324, or that which receives and executes instructions 324from a propagated signal so that a device connected to a networkenvironment 326 can send or receive voice, video or data, and tocommunicate over the network 326 using the instructions 324. Theinstructions 324 may further be transmitted or received over a network326 via the network interface device 320.

While the computer-readable storage medium 322 is shown in an exampleembodiment to be a single medium, the term “computer-readable storagemedium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media(e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated cachesand servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term“computer-readable storage medium” shall also be taken to include anymedium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set ofinstructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine toperform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure.

The term “computer-readable storage medium” shall accordingly be takento include, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such as a memorycard or other package that houses one or more read-only (non-volatile)memories, random access memories, or other re-writable (volatile)memories; magneto-optical or optical medium such as a disk or tape;and/or a digital file attachment to e-mail or other self-containedinformation archive or set of archives is considered a distributionmedium equivalent to a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, thedisclosure is considered to include any one or more of acomputer-readable storage medium or a distribution medium, as listedherein and including art-recognized equivalents and successor media, inwhich the software implementations herein are stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsimplemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standardsand protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards andprotocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switchednetwork transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) representexamples of the state of the art. Such standards are periodicallysuperseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentiallythe same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocolshaving the same functions are considered equivalents.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments,and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all theelements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use ofthe structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparentto those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Otherembodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structuraland logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing fromthe scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representationaland may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may beexaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, thespecification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative ratherthan a restrictive sense.

Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred toherein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merelyfor convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope ofthis application to any single invention or inventive concept if morethan one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments havebeen illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that anyarrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substitutedfor the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to coverany and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in theart upon reviewing the above description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.§1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quicklyascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted withthe understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit thescope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing DetailedDescription, it can be seen that various features are grouped togetherin a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that the claimed embodiments require more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of asingle disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing onits own as a separately claimed subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A non-transitory, machine-readable storagemedium, comprising executable instructions, which when executed by aprocessor of a set-top box, cause the processor to facilitateperformance of operations comprising: receiving a satellite signalassociated with a multimedia satellite service from a multimediasatellite service provider; presenting, at a media device, a firstsatellite program of a plurality of satellite programs available by wayof the satellite services that are received from the satellite signal;receiving, during the presenting of the first satellite program, a firstrequest from a cell phone for content information associated with mediacontent provided by the multimedia satellite service and comprisinginformation related to a second satellite program of the plurality ofsatellite programs; transmitting, responsive to the first request, to amedia system that is separate from the multimedia satellite service,over an Ethernet connection disassociated with the satellites signal, asecond request for the content information uploaded to the media systemby satellite service providers to cause the media system to submit a feeto the multimedia satellite provider related to the content information;receiving, without interrupting the presenting of the first satelliteprogram, the content information comprising video related to theplurality of satellite programs, incorporated in an electronicprogramming guide and sent over the Ethernet connection, wherein theEthernet connection is within equipment of a service provider other thanthe multimedia satellite service provider; providing to the cell phonethe content information for presentation by the cell phone responsive tothe second request, wherein presentation of the content information bythe cell phone is concurrent with the presenting, at the media device,of the first satellite program; receiving, during the presenting of thefirst satellite program, a selection of a second satellite program ofthe plurality of satellite program from the cell phone selected from thecontent information received over the Ethernet connection for requestingthe second satellite program; and buffering the first satellite programof the plurality of satellite programs received from the multimediasatellite service provider in a digital video recorder operably coupledto the set-top box while presenting the content information, wherein thecontent information comprises video trailers for a group of satelliteprograms of the plurality of satellite programs that are associated withequipment of the satellite service provider, and wherein the multimediasatellite service corresponds to an on-demand satellite deliveredprogramming service.
 2. The non-transitory, machine-readable storagemedium of claim 1, wherein the content information comprises text data.3. The non-transitory, machine-readable storage medium of claim 1,wherein the multimedia satellite service corresponds to broadcastchannel programming.
 4. The non-transitory, machine-readable storagemedium of claim 1, wherein the content information comprises a portionof an advertisement for a satellite program of the plurality ofsatellite programs.
 5. The non-transitory, machine-readable storagemedium of claim 1, wherein the Ethernet connection is selected from agroup consisting of a digital subscriber line, an internet protocoltelevision service, and a cable service.
 6. The non-transitory,machine-readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the multimediasatellite service corresponds to a pay-per-view satellite programmingservice.
 7. The non-transitory, machine-readable storage medium of claim1, wherein the multimedia satellite service corresponds to generaltelevision programming.
 8. A set-top box, comprising: a controllerelement; and a memory that stores machine-readable instructions, coupledto the controller element, wherein the machine-readable instructions,when executed by the controller element, cause the controller element tofacilitate performance of operations comprising: presenting, at a mediadevice, a first satellite program of a plurality of satellite programsprovided by equipment of a satellite service provider; receiving, duringthe presenting of the first satellite program, a first request from acell phone for content information associated with the plurality ofsatellite programs and comprising information related to a secondsatellite program of the plurality of satellite programs; transmitting,responsive to the first request, to a media system that is separate fromthe equipment of the satellite service provider over a broadbandEthernet connection, a second request for the content informationuploaded to the media system by satellite service providers, the secondrequest causing the media system to submit a fee to the satelliteservice provider related to the content information; receiving, withoutinterrupting the presenting of the first satellite program, the contentinformation comprising information related to each satellite program ofthe plurality of satellite programs, over the broadband Ethernetconnection; presenting the content information at the cell phoneconcurrently with the presenting of the first satellite program, whereinthe content information comprises the information related to eachsatellite program of the plurality of satellite programs and isassociated with the first satellite program presented to the mediadevice, wherein the first satellite program is communicated viasatellite signals independent of the broadband Ethernet connection;informing a digital video recorder operably coupled to the set-top boxto record a second satellite program of the plurality of satelliteprograms provided by the equipment of the satellite service provider ata scheduled time in response to receiving a selection from the cellphone for the second satellite program, and wherein the selection isbased on the content information; and buffering the first satelliteprogram of the plurality of satellite programs in the digital videorecorder while presenting the content information and wherein thecontent information is incorporated in an electronic programming guide,wherein the content information comprises video trailers for a group ofsatellite programs of the plurality of satellite programs that areassociated with the equipment of the satellite service provider, andwherein the plurality of satellite programs are provided by theequipment of the satellite service provider as on-demand satellitedelivered programming.
 9. The set-top box of claim 8, wherein the videotrailers are incorporated in an electronic programming guide.
 10. Theset-top box of claim 8, wherein the first request is received duringpresentation of one of a television program, browsing of an electronicprogramming guide, browsing of a pay-per-view catalog, and reviewing ofprograms on the digital video recorder.
 11. The set-top box of claim 8,wherein the operations further comprise programming the digital videorecorder to record a satellite program responsive to schedulinginformation of a second satellite program of the plurality of satelliteprograms received over the broadband connection.
 12. The set-top box ofclaim 8, wherein the set-top box is managed in part by the cell phonethat submits the first request and directs the set-top box to presentselected satellite programs of the plurality of satellite programs atthe cell phone.
 13. The set-top box of claim 8, wherein the operationsfurther comprise presenting to the cell phone a confirmation that asecond satellite program of the plurality of satellite programs has beenselected over the broadband Ethernet connection.
 14. The set-top box ofclaim 13, wherein the cell phone displays one of a title, a start timeor both of each satellite program of the plurality of satelliteprograms.
 15. The set-top box of claim 8, wherein equipment of abroadband service provider stores a plurality of video trailers andsends a video trailer of the plurality of video trailers to the set-topbox in response to receiving the request for content information.
 16. Amethod, comprising: receiving, by a system comprising a processor, froma satellite set-top box over a broadband Ethernet connection a firstrequest for content information responsive to a second request from acell phone for content information associated with media contentprovided by a multimedia satellite service, wherein the contentinformation comprises information related to a second satellite programof a plurality of satellite programs, wherein the receiving of the firstrequest occurs while the set-top box is presenting to a media device afirst satellite program of the plurality of satellite programs receivedfrom equipment of a first service provider; transmitting, by the system,to the satellite set-top box, over the broadband Ethernet connection,the content information from the equipment of the first service providerassociated with a satellite multimedia service for presentation on thecell phone without interrupting the presenting of the first satelliteprogram, wherein the transmitting of the content information isresponsive to the second request, and wherein the satellite set-top boxreceives the second satellite program of the plurality of satelliteprograms from the satellite multimedia service in response to aselection of the second satellite program for presentation on the mediadevice based on the content information over a second port operablycoupled to a satellite that transmits satellite signals from equipmentof a second service provider disassociated with the broadband Ethernetconnection and disassociated with the equipment of the first serviceprovider; submitting, by the system, a fee to the first service providerassociated with the satellite multimedia service, wherein the fee isrelated to the content information and the submitting of the fee is inresponse to the transmitting of the content information; and buffering,by the system, the first satellite program of the plurality of satelliteprograms in a digital video recorder operably coupled to the satelliteset-top box while presenting the content information and wherein thecontent information is incorporated in an electronic programming guide;and determining, by the system, the fee, wherein the fee is related tosupplying the content information over the broadband Ethernetconnection, wherein the content information comprises video trailers fora group of satellite programs of a plurality of satellite programs thatare associated with the multimedia satellite service, and whereinreceiving the content information over the broadband Ethernet connectioncomprises using a digital subscriber line.
 17. The method of claim 16,further comprising submitting, by the system, the fee to a multimediasatellite system supplying multimedia satellite services to thesatellite set-top box over the broadband Ethernet connection.
 18. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the video trailers of the satellite programsare incorporated in an electronic programming guide.
 19. The method ofclaim 16, comprising charging, by the system, a service fee forsupplying the content information over the broadband Ethernet connectionin accordance with a quality of service objective.
 20. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the quality of service objective identifies a videoand audio resolution objective for presenting the content information.